Burn Like My Power

“Approach, loyal one.”  

Thaal Sinestro peered at the vastness of deep space within Sector 1417 before turning to face Karu-Sil, one of the most ferocious members of his Lantern Corps.  Wreathed in the yellow energy of fear, she flew through the void flanked by three golden energy constructs fashioned in the form of powerful predator beasts – her “Fathers Three.”  After giving her leader a respectful nod, she bared her razor-sharp teeth in a feral smile; one known to instill fear in the hearts of many a life-form throughout the cosmos.   

Interior artwork from Green Lantern #19 (May 2007). © and TM DC. Written by Geoff Johns. Art by Dave Gibbons. 

“We bring knowledge to you,” Karu-Sil said, still smiling.  “We find it… very interesting.”   

Sinestro arched an eyebrow; the woman was not easily impressed. What has she witnessed, he wondered.  A genocide? The fall of a star system to terrible and unnatural atrocities?  

“Interesting, you say… do tell,” Sinestro said.  “I would know what fascinates one such as you, Karu-Sil.”

“A campaign of terror,” Karu-Sil replied. “At first, it seemed a series of random attacks, conducted by criminals, mercenaries, and reavers. But we watched… we studied their movements… and we learned their truth.”

“Enlighten me,” Sinestro said. “What truth revealed itself to you?”

“There is nothing random about it,” the other Sinestro Corps member said.  “These attackers are the puppets of a greater force… the Black Circle.” 

Sinestro pondered her statement for a moment.  The Black Circle was an interstellar crime syndicate, formerly led by one of his own – Amon Sur.  The son of a legendary Green Lantern, Amon resented his famous father and sought to destroy the Corps he served, and his father’s successor, Hal Jordan of Earth.  One way he pursued that goal was to become a notorious criminal. Another?  Joining forces with the greatest enemy of the Green Lanterns – Sinestro himself.

“The Black Circle, eh? Their power diminished greatly once their leader became one of us,” Sinestro said. “And yet you tell me they have risen once again to a position of power, shadow-masters of a terrifying force.  Explain yourself.”

“They have a new master,” Karu-Sil replied. “We have yet to verify the identity of this leader, but we hear a name, whispered in darkness, over and over again.”

“And that name is?”

“Amon Sur,” said Karu-Sil. “We believe he has resumed his mantle of leadership within the Black Circle. We think he enriches himself with the terror his servants inflict upon the weak, in his name… not yours!”

“Why, Karu-Sil,” Sinestro said in response. “You’re quite correct.  Your discovery is indeed very interesting.  Continue your observations, and report only to me.”

“And if Amon Sur is discovered to be a traitor?”

“Then, loyal one, there shall be… a hunt,” Sinestro replied.  “You do enjoy a great hunt, do you not? And what better quarry than a master of fear?”

“There is none better,” Karu-Sil replied, her smile widening. “My Fathers Three and I will expose this truth under the golden light of fear. We swear it.” 

It was Sinestro’s turn to smile as Karu-Sil flew at great speed in pursuit of her quarry.  For if Amon Sur was guilty of betrayal, he would be the target of one of the deadliest hunters in existence. There would be no escape for him, no safe haven. And when she cornered her prey, her weapon poised to deliver the killing blow, his heart would be filled with a profound, undeniable fear. 

A fear glorious to behold. 

Sector 2261, Deep Space 

Karu-Sil floated in silence, watching intently as an invasion force appeared. One by one, they came - crossing not only the dark void of space, but also the barrier between dimensions.  Vessels hidden by the devious inventions of a warrior race, the silent invaders crept through the stars toward their final destination - a vast, emerald world adorned with the crest of her hated foes.   

The sentient Green Lantern planet known as Mogo. 

Karu-Sil brought up the navigation system of her EV Suit, using its passive sensor array to acquire one of the invading vessels as a target.  Once locked on, she engaged thrusters rigged for stealth and moved in.   

Cannot use the ring for this, she thought as she closed the distance to the starship. This quarry is all too familiar with the energy of Fear. One golden glimmer, and their sensors will hard-lock… then their weapons will purge me from the stars.   

Soon, she locked her suit’s boots onto the hull of her target.   A moment later, Karu-Sil joined the invasion force, albeit as a deadly, silent stowaway.

After the ship made planetfall, Karu-Sil made her way into a verdant jungle nearby. There, she observed the invaders, taking note of the disposition of their forces as they disembarked. Qwardians, she thought. They who forged the first Golden Ring… the weapon of the Sinestro Corps.   

She felt a twinge of rage as she watched the enemy’s movements, for they did not serve Sinestro, as so many of their fellow Qwardians did. They will be punished for this betrayal… but the most severe penalty awaits their leader.  She smiled at that thought, remembering Sinestro’s promise of a great hunt.  A hunt she would lead.

The enemy moved quickly before her eyes. A sound plan – it would not be long before the Greens detected them and mustered their defenses.  She watched the Qwardians move toward their targets from a command-and-control station.  Patiently, she took down every detail… and then, she saw them… and for the first time since her arrival on Mogo, she smiled.

A small host emerged from the Qwardian flagship, clad in a familiar uniform of black and gold.  They were as she – members of the Sinestro Corps.  Leading them was a powerfully built warrior with crimson skin and a determined visage, a man she immediately recognized. 

Interior artwork from Green Lantern #22 (Aug. 2007). © and TM DC. Written by Geoff Johns. Art by Ivan Reis. 

Amon Sur, she thought as her smile widened. The rumors are true. You are the leader of this force, the mastermind of this attack. So be it… traitor. 

Silently, Karu-Sil watched… and waited.  She would depart for space once the shooting started, using the chaos of war to conceal her departure from wretched Mogo. Once she was clear, she would deliver the news of Amon Sur’s treachery to Sinestro.

Soon, she thought.  Soon I will share a great hunt with my Fathers Three.  Soon we will dine on the fear of traitors! 

As the invaders moved toward their foes, Kara-Sil’s smile grew wider and wider.  Today was going to be a very good day. 

-To Be Continued-